The prize is judged by a panel of 12 critics, musicians, top DJs and other music industry figures who often use the shortlist to champion new artists and underdogs, so it's no surprise a fairly unknown band have been named this year's winners.

Damon Albarn also missed out (Image: PA)

The reaction was unsurprisingly mixed on Twitter and Facebook after the announcement, with one viewer simply writing "R.I.P Mercury Music Prize" and others asking, "Who???"

But there were plenty of music fans heaping praise on the group, with one posting: "Congrats to Young Fathers. Deserved winners of the Mercury Music Prize tonight."

Another wrote on the site: "Yas. I bought that when it came out. Great album #MercuryMusicPrize."